During the live broadcast on December 2 at 9 p.m., the SBS audition series "The Ballad of Us" welcomed Cha as part of the show’s “Top 100 Ears” delegation, where he weighed in on the Top 6: Lee Ji-hoon, Hong Seung-min, Song Ji-woo, Cheon Beom-seok, Lee Ye-ji, and Choi Eun-bin.
Cha helped open the night with a performance of "Gather My Tears" alongside the “Top 100 Ears” reps, his experience as a onetime singer immediately grabbing attention. Afterward, he thanked viewers for embracing the younger contestants’ emotions across generations, offering a sincere message of gratitude on behalf of the show.
He then leaned into his signature “empathetic judge” mode, listening closely to each stage. After Song Ji-woo’s turn, he kept it warm and on-point: “Hearing Ji-woo sing it felt fresh and so good. Well done,” easing the room with friendly, focused feedback.
Cha once again got misty during Lee Ye-ji’s rendition of "Uphill Road." He had previously teared up in Round 1 when Ye-ji sang while thinking of her father, and this time was no different. “There was a shot of your father on the screen and he wasn’t crying―so isn’t it funny that I’m the one who is?” he joked, before adding, “I’m always rooting for you, Ye-ji. Your dad, too. Thank you for raising such a wonderful daughter.” The heartfelt encouragement resonated across the studio.
When Lee Ye-ji was crowned the winner, Cha didn’t hold back his praise. Nodding to the devotion behind her performances, he said, “Her love for her father moved dads all over the country.” He added, “Stay the course and become the artist you’re meant to be―just like this, without losing that heart.”
All season, Cha anchored the show with “viewer-level” judging―pinpointing the emotional throughline and key moments, and breaking down each contestant’s strengths, weaknesses, and growth potential in plain, relatable language.
His critiques blended sharp analysis with human warmth. When it mattered, he was frank and precise; when someone wavered―especially younger contestants―he was often the first to step in with reassurance. More than pass-fail verdicts, his notes helped contestants recognize their own potential, color, and path forward, leaving a lingering impact with viewers.
Cha’s variety savvy shone, too. With easy humor and natural reactions, he kept the atmosphere light, cutting through tension and adding laughter exactly when needed. The way he toggled between judge and entertainer brought extra layers to "The Ballad of Us".
Above all, his capacity to feel with the contestants stood out. Hearing why a song was chosen or the personal story behind a stage, he absorbed those emotions―sometimes to tears―turning a judge’s role into genuine comfort and courage for the person standing under the lights.
As a judge closest to the audience, a steady ally to the contestants, and a key driver of the show’s rhythm, Cha balanced clear-eyed judgment, sincere advice, and human warmth. His habit of truly seeing each performance raised the show’s emotional temperature and left a strong impression week after week.
Long cherished for his sturdy acting chops and approachable charm, Cha Tae-hyun continues to move seamlessly between film and TV―while variety outings like "The Ballad of Us" keep underscoring his enduring presence.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)